New organic logo heralds new era in sector

    TORONTO, July 21 /CNW/ - With retail sales of certified organic food in
Canada tipping more than $1 billion in 2006, consumers have demonstrated a
phenomenal enthusiasm for organic products. Today's presentation of the new
Canada Organic logo will undoubtedly boost demand and signal a new era for the
sector, says the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA).
    "The CHFA welcomes the new Canada Organic logo as it will provide easy
identification of organic products thereby increasing consumer confidence,"
says Penelope Marrett of the CHFA, Canada's largest trade association
representing the natural and organics sector.
    Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and
Minister for responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, presented
the new logo on July 21 in Barrie, ON.
    Sales of organic products are growing over 20 per cent a year in Canada,
with a steady increase in the proportion of sales through mainstream markets.
According to data provided by ACNielsen, large natural food store chains and
independent health food stores accounted for approximately one third of the
$1 billion in sales.
    "Canadians are the big winners today," Marrett says. "The new logo is a
visual reminder to consumers that Canada has a set of regulatory standards and
that products with the new logo meet the Canadian standard," Marrett said.

    The Canadian Health Food Association (www.chfa.ca) is Canada's largest
national trade association dedicated to the natural and organic products
industry. Our members represent the entire supply chain including growers,
manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and importers involved in
a variety of industry sub-sectors such as vitamin and mineral supplements,
herbal products, homeopathics, sports nutrition products, natural and organic
foods, fibres and health and beauty aids. CHFA member products support
Canadians seeking optimal health and quality of life.

For further information: Penelope Marrett, President and CEO, at (416)
497-6939, 1-800-661-4510, or [e-mail]; or Natalie Cajic, Communications
Coordinator, at [e-mail]